"I had some tough moments with injuries but I could never live without tennis" - Rafael Nadal reflects on winning 301 Grand Slam matches
Rafael Nadal reflected on an illustrious career at the French Open after winning his third-round tie against Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets. The win took his tally of Grand Slam match wins to 301.
Nadal has a 108-3 win-loss record at the French Open and 301-41 at all Grand Slams. He is gunning for his 22nd Major title at Roland Garros. He secured a record-breaking 21st Slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year.
The Spaniard was humble as always as he joked about his age. He added that he has had tough moments due to injury, but that he could never live without tennis.
"Well, there is two things when you achieve this number no, first one is you are very old and the second one, of course, is I had a great career no I am very happy about the things, how the things went during my tennis career. I had some tough moments with injuries. But at the same time because of tennis, I enjoyed many experiences. I could never live without tennis," Nadal said.
Nadal emphasized how fortunate he feels to have had the chance to play in the best stadiums around the world with packed crowds.
"I just can say thanks to life. I feel very fortunate guy to be able to enjoy a lot of things that I never imagined and never could dream of and one of the most special things without a doubt is playing in the best stadiums of the world with the best crowds," he added.
Hey @RafaelNadal, what's your secrets to achieving 301 Grand Slams wins and counting? 🤔
#RolandGarros https://t.co/ehs3SFMaMN
Rafael Nadal yet to drop a set, faces Felix Auger-Aliassime in 4R of French Open
Nadal cruised to a 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round of the French Open. The Spaniard landed 25 winners, while Zandschulp managed 19. Nadal is yet to drop a set in the tournament..
The 13-time French Open champion will face Felix Auger-Aliassime in the next round. Auger-Aliassime is being coached by Rafael Nadal's uncle, Toni Nadal. The duo will face off for the second time, with Nadal winning their previous encounter in Madrid in 2019.
Business as usual 💼
@RafaelNadal defeats Botic Van De Zandschulp 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the fourth round at #RolandGarros for the 17th time. https://t.co/WL0vnf4LTo
The winner of the match will play either defending champion Novak Djokovic or 15th seed Diego Schwartzman in the quarterfinals of the French Open.